Stage Four

This stage of the walkway passes through what was once the horticultural centre of Scotland, but the smallholdings on which the industry was based were unable to compete with produce imported from the Mediteranean, and the orchards and glasshouses have since been replaced by garden centres.

From Mauldslie Bridge the path holds to the north bank of the river, and there are views across to the pretty villages along the A72 on the opposite bank, of which Rosebank is the first to be met. The gravel path ends just beyond Rosebank, but the route follows the river bank, past the bridge at Milton Lockhart, then the formal path is met again just before passing Waygateshaw House, and after about a mile reaches Crossford at the bridge carrying the B7056 over the river. A short diversion from the walk at this point takes you to Craignethan Castle

Cross the road to rejoin the Walkway, and Hazelbank is the next village seen across the river. The valley becomes narrower and its sides steeper from here, and the Walkway passes the lower of the two hydro electric generating stations on the river, at Stonebyres Linn, just below Kirkfieldbank,and the end of this stage.

The Hamilton/Lanark bus route passes through the village